Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File photo

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) – Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today underscored the need for collective efforts to build an accountable and development-oriented state.

“Individuals, society and the state are inseparably connected. If we work as a united team, setting aside all differences, it will be possible to establish good governance and build a prosperous society,” he said.

The minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting held at the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Secretariat here.

He said the government is implementing the vision and plans of the Prime Minister in a country currently facing a devastated economy and a weakened state structure.

Referring to the condition of state institutions, Fakhrul said many institutions had become weak and ineffective and had lost public confidence over the past 15 years.

To address this, the government has taken multifaceted initiatives to revitalise and strengthen those institutions, he added.

“Strengthening institutions is not merely about administrative restructuring; it is about restoring public trust. Effective institutions are the foundation of a strong and development-driven state,” he said.

He said coordinated efforts of all stakeholders are essential to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the reform process.

Highlighting rural realities, he said the suffering of village people is not an emotional narrative but a social reality.

“Alleviating their hardship is a shared responsibility of the state, society and conscious citizens. The government is creating employment opportunities to gradually reduce rural distress,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam said the ministry works directly with grassroots people and must ensure development and democracy with the cooperation of all.

He said establishing a corruption-free state requires united efforts, adding that the election manifesto and the declared 31-point agenda are not merely political pledges but a social contract with the people.

Secretary of the ministry Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi presented an overview of the ministry’s overall activities at the meeting.

Senior officials of the ministry and heads of its subordinate departments were present.